Steelers coach Joey Porter facing felony assault charge, placed on leave
Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Joey Porter, right, and head coach Mike Tomlin leave the field after defeating the Miami Dolphins. Porter has been arrested at a Pittsburgh bar following the team蘑菇视频 wild-card win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Joey Porter was charged after an incident on the city's South Side following the team's playoff victory Sunday.
PITTSBURGH 鈥� Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker coach Joey Porter has been placed on leave after felony assault-related charges were filed early Monday morning against him.
According to a statement released by Pittsburgh police, Porter, 39, was arrested at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday outside The Flats on Carson in the city蘑菇视频 South Side. Police said officers summoned by bar security arrived to find Porter assaulting a doorman.
Police said Porter was yelling at the man, 鈥渃learly attempting to bully his way into the establishment.鈥� The doorman continued to deny him access, police said, and stated that Porter threatened to kill him the last time he went to the bar.
As the responding officer approached, he asked what was going on, police said. According to the report, several people surrounding Porter told the officer, 鈥淲e got him.鈥� Police said Porter then lunged at the doorman, lifting him off the ground. Officers pulled him away from the entrance, and Porter released the man, police said.
According to the report, Porter then grabbed an officer by both of his wrists. Police note the officer is 5 foot, 6 inches tall and about 145 pounds. Comparatively, Porter is 6-foot-3 and about 260 pounds.
Police said Porter suddenly released the officer and walked into East Carson Street. Despite police instruction, Porter walked away from officers, yelling he didn鈥檛 do anything, police said.
According to the report, no officers were injured in the incident.
Porter was taken into custody without any struggle and taken to the Allegheny County Jail, police said.
According to online court records, Porter, of Bradford Woods, is charged by Pittsburgh police with aggravated and simple assault, resisting arrest, defiant trespassing, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
Porter posted $25,000 bail, records show.
According to a statement released Monday by the Steelers, Porter has been placed on leave as officials continue to gather information about the incident.
Porter is a former All Pro Steelers linebacker. He played his first eight seasons of his 13-year career in Pittsburgh and was hired as a coach two years ago.